Ontario Minister of Energy Offers Stability to Solar Industry

The Canadian Solar Industries Association welcomed the Ontario government’s move to establish a predictable and stable market for the solar energy industry in Ontario. Speaking at CanSIA’s Solar Ontario conference in Niagara Falls, the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, announced initiatives that recognize the importance of making sure solar continues to be an integral part of Ontario’s renewable energy solution and is critical to Ontario’s future energy needs.
 
“We are encouraged by the direction the Minister is taking regarding solar energy. This sends an important signal to the market which will allow it to build needed generation and encourage investment supporting the jobs that have been created in the province,” said CanSIA President John Gorman. “It is a good example of how government and industry collaboration can benefit all Ontarians. We will continue to provide the government with industry input as it works to refresh its Long Term Energy Plan.”
 
In the announcement the government recognized there will be a need for additional energy generation as soon as 2015-2016 and that renewable energy is key to filling that gap. To be prepared the Minister announced a plan to acquire 900 MW of solar over the next four years.  He also stated that Large FIT projects contemplated under a competitive procurement program will be assessed as part of the Long Term Energy Plan taking place summer.
 
This announcement recognizes that solar energy’s unique characteristics are needed by the Ontario electricity system. It can be deployed quickly, complement other energy sources by providing electricity during peak periods of demand, while enjoying strong support from Ontario’s communities.
 
The Canadian Solar Industries Association is a national trade association that represents more than 650 solar energy companies throughout Canada. Since 1992, CanSIA has worked to develop a strong, efficient, ethical and professional Canadian solar energy industry with capacity to provide innovative solar energy solutions and to play a major role in the global transition to a sustainable, clean-energy future.

CanSIA
www.cansia.ca